Instagram videos are primarily designed for vertical viewing. This means they are best suited for a portrait orientation, where the video is taller than it is wide.
Here's why this is the case:
- Mobile-First: Instagram is primarily a mobile app, and most people hold their phones vertically.
- User Experience: Vertical videos take up more screen space on a phone, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
- Algorithm Preference: Instagram's algorithm favors vertical videos, giving them more visibility in the feed and explore tab.
However, you can upload videos in landscape orientation (wider than tall) as well. While not ideal, Instagram will still accommodate these videos. They will simply be displayed with black bars on either side, filling the entire screen vertically.
Practical Insights:
- Create content specifically for vertical viewing. This will ensure your videos are optimized for Instagram's platform and audience.
- Utilize the full screen space: Use vertical videos to showcase your content in a visually engaging way.
- Experiment with both orientations: While vertical is preferred, landscape videos can still be effective for certain types of content.
